Analysis and reflection from someone endlessly fascinated with Louisa May Alcott. Member/supporter of Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House (including the Alcott International Circle) and the Louisa May Alcott Society.

Book alert: Pilgrimage by Annie Leibovitz and Doris Kearns Goodwin

I just got a glimpse of Annie Leiborvitz’ new book, Pilgrimage and it is amazing! For those who don’t know, Pilgrimage is a journey through the places that mean the most to Leibovitz. One of those places is Concord where she toured Orchard House, Emerson’s home (Bush) and Walden Pond.

The pictures from Orchard House were AMAZING! Leibovitz went deep into the treasures of Orchard House to produce a stunning picture of May’s room with the sketches on the wall, Bronson’s journal with his hand and Louisa’s hand traced on the page, and a picture of 3 dolls, one made by Lizzie with the face painted by May. Leibovitz also showed a handkerchief that Louisa embroidered with her initials, the desk where she wrote Little Women and a collection of photos of people she admired (some famous).

I also was taken in by the photo of the original setting of Thoreau’s cabin with the stones. Apparently Bronson Alcott was the first to set stones in the setting to mark where the cabin had been.

I’m already a big fan of Doris Kearns Goodwin so I look forward to her commentary.

I nearly bought the book on the spot but knew we had to Christmas shop instead. However, I have ordered it on Amazon (where it is a lot cheaper :-)).

Get down to your favorite bookstore and check out Pilgrimage – it’s a coffee table book that will never leave your coffee table.

My Goodreads List

http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/4731081

Favorite Quote

"A very strange and solemn feeling came over me as I stood there, with no sound but the rustle of the pines, no one near me, and the sun so glorious, as for me alone. It seemed as if I felt God as I never did before, and I prayed in my heart that I might keep that happy sense of nearness all my life."